white orpington Bantams

[Chickenollyguru]

I want to breed white Orpington bantams that have white and fluffy feathers, white beak and legs, and a straight comb which meet the competition standards.

Could I start with a not very good white male and cross this with a very good black female, would I get better white offspring? Or would I be starting from a point too far from my goal?

Does anybody know good suppliers of white Orpingtons, either in this country or abroad, where I could buy some fertilised eggs?

 

[MrsBiscuit]

You would be much better off getting hold of good white stock. This is for 2 reasons, firstly you should always breed for type first and colour second, so if you are starting off with a poor specimen you are highly likely to replicate the faults. Secondly, I'm not sure if orps are dominant white, or recessive, and I am no genetics expert, but I do know that it is very difficult to know what you will get if you mate a white anything to a non-white anything, as it is not clear other colours/patterns the white might be 'hiding'.

As far as suppliers are concerned, you could try Keith's Orps or Orpingtons Galore (very good breeder).

White orps are lovely

 

[Chickenollyguru]

Thanks that's brilliant